1) Smile and the whole world smiles with you
Before approaching your victim - sorry, target - no, err, imminent conversational partner, don't keep nervously looking at them as if they are a small pool at the bottom of a huge dive you're about to take. Smile and relax. You're not 'taking the plunge' or risking everything; you're just being sociable.Research (1) shows people will likely want to talk to you if you are smiling. Don't grin manically at people like a prom queen on acid, but a gentle general smile will instantly make the prospect of talking to you more appealing. Also, when listening to others speaking, smile (unless they're relating tales of their latest messy divorce). And remember...